Glass Fusing, Slumping and Kiln formed work
Course overview
During these Saturday workshops you will be introduced to different glass fusing, slumping and kiln-formed techniques.
Join us to learn about and experiment with fusing different coloured glass and including glass accessories such as confetti, frits, rods and stringers as well as working with other alternative materials depending on the project.
Although each Saturday workshop is self-contained and covers a different kiln form technique, you will benefit by attending every taught lesson, so as to make the most progress in glass fusing.
WORKSHOPS:
23 September: An Introduction to glass fusing techniques, materials and tools.
- Correct use of glass tools and cutting techniques will be demonstrated.
- Projects: Create a glass fused set of 4 harlequin coasters
18 November: Fusing and Slumping
- Design ideas and suitable moulds will be discussed.
- The preparation of slumping moulds and different firing processes needed will also be covered in this lesson.
- Project: Design your own sheet of art glass to be fused and then slumped into a mould of your choice to create a 3D platter. 2X firing processes will be needed.
16 December: Cut and Fuse
- Developing your cutting skills and learning different assembly techniques. You will have the opportunity to create a Christmas wreath and some festive decorations in this workshop.
- Project: Christmas wreath and festive decorations
20 January: Kiln Carving
- ‘Kiln Carving’ is a term to describe a kiln forming process that achieves a bas relief, textured, or sculpted look in glass. The process involves cutting a pattern or design in ceramic fibre paper, then stacking glass on top of the pattern and firing the piece in a kiln. The underside of the glass takes up the ceramic fibre pattern and creates contours and textures.
- Project: Create a relief platter in glass
24 February: Metal Inclusions
- In this project you will experiment with metals that are compatible with glass. Materials like foils, meshes, metal powders and oxides can be used to create interesting designs. You can also use copper wire to create a line drawing within your design.
- Project: Create a wall plaque using metal inclusions.
23 March: Glass Fused Mosaics
- A colourful and fun project learning how to create a glass mosaic painting. The grouting technique will also be covered in this lesson.
- Project: Glass fused mosaic ‘painting’.
27 April: Op-Art Design
- Inspired by the art style of the 1960s you will learn how to create optical illusions in your glass. We will create an illusion of movement like swelling or warping within the glass. Different colour combinations and patterns can be considered to create a very unique piece of glass art.
- Project: Designing an op-art platter using stringers.
25 May: Powder Printing
- Extend your knowledge of glass Fusing and Slumping techniques and experiment with glass powders to create unusual and interesting patterns in the glass. A variety of ideas and techniques will be demonstrated. You can use stencils, stamps or different tools for mark making into the powder to create the designs and textures.
- Project: Using the powder printing technique to create a piece of glass art.
You will familiarise yourself with the different glass tools and how to use them correctly. You will learn how to cut glass accurately both with a strip cutter and freehand, and later progress to cutting circles.
A brief introduction to the theory of glass fusing will be given and firing schedules and temperatures for each project will be explained.
A Different project will be covered in each workshop and will start with a demonstration of the technique involved, the materials needed and their use. You will have the opportunity to experiment with the technique and produce at least one piece of fused glass per session.
Although each Saturday workshop is self-contained and covers a different kiln form technique you will benefit by attending every taught lesson, so as to make the most progress in glass fusing.
These Saturday workshops are suitable for all abilities, both beginners, and those who have some experience and wish to expand their glasswork skills.
You work at your own pace and level. As a beginner, you will learn the skills needed to create your own fused glass art and have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of techniques and glass fusing materials.
More advanced and experienced learners will have the opportunity to pursue their own work with tutoring and technical feedback from the tutor and learn more advanced techniques throughout the course.
All learners are supported by the tutor throughout each project and furthermore, you will get the opportunity to develop your skills according to your own specific needs and interest.
Teaching methods include:
• formal instruction
• practical demonstration
• individual tuition
• discussion
• feedback and analysing results
• practical experience
• guidance on kilns and firings, where required
It is a good idea to do some research beforehand and arrive with potential projects/ideas to develop in addition to those that will be suggested by your experienced and friendly tutor.
Please bring, a notepad, a pen, a pencil, a ruler. a rubber, a clean cotton tea towel and most importantly a fine waterproof marker pen (Sharpie) and dust mask. Safety goggles and aprons are available.
It is essential that you wear flat, closed toe shoes, not sandals or flip flops, as this is a safety requirement.
Please note that all specialist tools and materials are provided for classroom use only.
Glass pieces will be taken away for firing and returned to the venue for collecting.
Tutor Profile: Shirley Eccles
Shirley Eccles holds qualifications in Fine Art and Ceramics & Glass. As a qualified teacher she has a wealth of experience including running her own teaching studio in South Africa. Her glass art has been selected on many occasions for the British Glass Biennale and she has won scholarships to both Pilchuck in Seattle, USA and North Lands Glass, Lybster Scotland.
Shirley is a member of Hampshire and Berkshire Guild of Craftsmen and CGS (Contemporary Glass Society). She has given lectures on glass and her work has been included in many exhibitions and publications.
Shirley loves teaching and experimenting with new ideas; she is passionate about glass and works to create informative and exciting courses.
Web: https://www.shirleyecclesglassartist.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirley.eccles
F/B: https://www.facebook.com/shirley.flashglass
Alternatively enrol by phone quoting 3ADADUA19R or ask a question
Meet the tutors
We want our learners to feel welcome, safe and at ease when attending our classes, especially if this is your first time attending an adult education class or if you're coming back to education after a break.
If you're interested in one of courses, meet our tutors first! You'll see they have similar passions and interests and, most importantly, the right qualifications to help you make the most of your time and money.